Hanoi authorities are considering adjusting land-use plans for aging apartment complexes, allowing portions of residential land to be converted into public-use areas in a move aimed at balancing the interests of the state, residents and investors.

Speaking during a group discussion on draft resolutions implementing the Capital Law at the fourth session of the 17th Hanoi People's Council on June 12, Luu Quang Huy, Director of the Hanoi Institute for Construction Planning, said the redevelopment of old apartment complexes remains one of the city's most challenging urban issues.

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Luu Quang Huy, Director of the Hanoi Institute for Construction Planning. Photo: Pham Hai

According to Huy, progress in renovating and rebuilding aging apartment buildings has remained slow for many years. One of the key reasons is that many projects have not been attractive enough to draw investor participation.

Most old apartment complexes are located in Hanoi's historic inner-city districts, where planning regulations impose strict limits on development indicators. As a result, developers often struggle to ensure investment efficiency, reducing their willingness to participate in redevelopment projects.

Huy noted that some proposals have suggested increasing population density to create additional commercial housing stock, thereby boosting revenue and profitability for developers. However, he cautioned that such measures require careful consideration, as inner-city areas are already under significant population pressure.

Further increases in population density, he said, would place additional strain on schools, green spaces, transport systems, parking facilities and other public services.

He stressed that the redevelopment of old apartment complexes must be viewed within the broader context of urban development. While mechanisms are needed to ensure viable investment returns, the city must also pursue objectives such as reducing building density, expanding green space and improving residents' quality of life.

Hanoi can proactively reorganize urban space

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Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Vu Dai Thang. Photo: Pham Hai

Addressing the issue, Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Vu Dai Thang said the city places special importance on housing development, which remains one of residents' primary concerns.

The city is incorporating into draft resolutions a range of mechanisms and policies related to urban regeneration, redevelopment of old apartment complexes, and support for social housing, rental housing, public-service housing and commercial rental housing in line with new central government orientations.

Among these policy areas, urban renewal and the reconstruction of aging apartment complexes have been identified as key priorities.

According to Thang, urban development in the past often focused on converting agricultural and garden land into residential areas. Under new regulations on urban regeneration and the Capital's planning framework, however, Hanoi will be able to reorganize urban space more proactively and efficiently.

Under this approach, land-use plans for old apartment complexes could be adjusted so that part of the existing residential land is converted into public-use land and community facilities.

Thang cited the example of a large aging apartment complex in Thanh Xuan District consisting of dozens of residential buildings.

"When carrying out urban renewal, it is not necessary to rebuild across the entire existing site. The city can allocate a substantial portion of the land to public spaces, green areas, social infrastructure and community facilities. The remaining area can be used for housing construction while ensuring on-site resettlement for residents," he said.

The approach would not only improve living conditions and expand public amenities for residents but also create more viable investment models for developers participating in old apartment redevelopment projects.

"It is also one of the key solutions for mobilizing social resources to accelerate the redevelopment of aging apartment complexes and urban regeneration projects in the coming years," Thang added.

Thanh Hue